Early Career Fire and Safety Engineer in Training; -Duty Service Member DOD Sk

Position

Full‑Time Early Career Fire and Life Safety Engineer (Unpaid Internship).

Locations:
Arlington, VA;
Boston, MA;
Columbia, MD;
Dallas, TX;
Houston, TX;
New York, NY.

The role provides technical assistance for design, development, site survey, testing, and inspection of fire and life safety systems on building projects in the public and private sector. Responsibilities include assisting with research, design, concept development, planning, and optimal integration of automatic sprinkler, fire alarm, mass notification, and smoke control systems.

Additional tasks include assistance with egress analysis, smoke control and egress modeling, and building and fire code analysis review and compliance. The candidate will be accountable to tasks and ensure deliverables meet or exceed industry standards.

• Research building code, life safety code, and fire code requirements, including familiarity with ICC, NFPA codes, International Building Code, and NFPA 101.
• Assist with the design of fire protection and life safety engineering systems including automatic fire sprinkler systems, fire detection and alarm systems, smoke management systems, and egress systems.
• Assist in the preparation of fire engineering calculations including smoke modeling and evacuation analysis from simple hand calculations to complex 3‑D computational modeling.
• Assist in the commissioning of fire alarm, fire suppression, smoke control, and life safety systems.
• Perform routine engineering functions and provide entry‑level technical assistance on various code requirements, calculations, and design strategies to develop performance‑based solutions.
• Assist in reviewing architectural drawings for compliance with building and fire code requirements and producing fire safety strategy documents.
• Complete training on assigned tasks.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision‑making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

• Structured mentorship and professional development programs to support transition and growth in engineering industry.
• Access to virtual and hands‑on training modules to develop technical and leadership skills for long‑term success.
• Potential path to permanent employment with WSP USA after completing the program, including opportunities for career advancement.
• Supportive, inclusive work environment with resources and networks dedicated to veterans transitioning to civilian careers.

• Open to active‑duty service members, preferably with a background in technical fields.
• Must have authorization and approval from a unit commander to participate in the Skill Bridge program.

• Bachelor or Master of Science Degree in Fire Protection Engineering or Mechanical Engineering (with fire protection focus).
• 0‑1 year of fire protection and life safety experience.

• Excellent research skills with analytical mindset.
• Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non‑engineering audience.
• Proficient self‑leadership with attention to detail, multi‑tasking and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to work independently under general supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
• Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, spreadsheets, technology, and tools.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety, drug/alcohol, and harassment policies.
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project‑specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
• Occasional travel may be required depending on project‑specific requirements.

• Engineer in Training certification.
• Knowledge of Revit and AutoCAD.
• Experience in fire protection engineering design application.
• Prior internship related to the fire protection engineering discipline.
• Membership or active participation in…